The difference
Lead-acid batteries are made from a mixture of lead plates and sulphuric acid. This is the first type of rechargeable battery discovered in 1859. Lithium batteries on the other hand are a much newer invention and available for commercial use since 1980.
Lithium was discovered in 1817 by a Swedish Chemist, J.A Arfwedson. LiFePO4 battery also called LFP battery is a type of lithium-ion battery using lithium iron phosphate as cathode and graphite carbon electrode as anode. LFP batteries have very flat charge and discharge profiles. These batteries offer a lot of benefits over other lead-acid batteries. These are not the cheapest batteries in the market but due to their long life span and low maintenance cost, they are the best investment that anyone can make.
Reasons
There are many reasons why LiFePO4 batteries are better than others and here we will try to discuss some important ones.
Sustainable
These batteries are chemically stable and are incombustible ( i.e they remain cool at room temperature). These batteries offer a long life span and are rechargeable. Also, these batteries are non-toxic and do not release any hazardous chemical that can cause problems to humans or the environment. These facts make, LiFePO4 batteries sustainable.
Long-lasting
These batteries are long-lasting and one can connect several batteries at a time. These batteries have a low self-discharge process and can be left standing for months without running out of the battery solution.
No active maintenance
Lithium iron phosphate batteries do not require any active maintenance to extend their lifetime. Due to the low self-discharge process, these batteries can be stored for a longer period without any damage. These batteries require maintenance after years of being used and even then their service life remains unaffected.
Lightweight batteries
Lithium iron phosphate batteries offer high energy density and can deliver maximum power when needed. They have high power density than lead-acid batteries and are almost half in weight. Therefore, going for these batteries is great when it comes to size and mass.
Fast charging
Lithium iron phosphate batteries can be charged fastly and they provide 100% storage capacity. These batteries can be charged within 30 minutes if you provide enough amps. Even if you are not able to fully charge the battery, there are no worries. These batteries are powerful enough to meet your needs.
Climate resistant
Lithium iron phosphate batteries can operate even in a harsh climate. Lead-acid batteries cannot operate at low temperatures while LiFePO4 batteries are much more efficient in a cold environment. The same goes for high temperatures, LiFePO4 batteries can sustain high temperatures without being affected. Lithium-ion is a technological choice for harsh environments.
Efficiency
LiFePO4 batteries have a higher charging rate than other batteries. They have 100% of their capacity available. Fast charge and discharge rates make them perfect for use in almost every application. If you put 1 Ah in lead-acid, it gives almost 0.65 Ah output as they are only 60-70% efficient while a LiFeP04 battery gives almost 0.95Ah if you put 1Ah and all of which is usable. Also, Lithium (LiFePO4) batteries have excellent cycling performance.
Applications
These batteries have vast applications.
- These batteries are widely used in automobiles like passenger cars, low-speed electric vehicles, buses, etc because of their safety and low maintenance cost.
- The energy storage system of these batteries can avoid power outages caused by grid failures and ensure a stable power supply for banks, hospitals, industries, etc.
- These batteries can provide instant high power output.
- Because of the advantages like long cycle life, stability and safety, environmental protection, low self-discharge rate, and high efficiency these batteries are now used in UPS power batteries.
